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La. electricity rates up sharply in 2023

Thu, 06/29/2023 - 12:22pm

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

Electricity costs in Louisiana are up more than 7% in 2023, illustrating what some believe is a need to inject more competition and reduce regulations in the market.

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration released on Tuesday shows Louisiana’s average residential price for electricity per kilowatt hour through the first four months of 2023 is 11.98 cents, the second-highest among states in the West South Central region, behind only Texas.

That figure is up from 11.12 cents per kilowatt hour at the same time last year, though it remains well below the national average of 15.82 cents through April 2023. The highest average residential rate nationally comes from Hawaii at 44.17 cents per kilowatt hour, while the lowest is in North Dakota at 9.94.

Compared to neighboring states, Louisiana’s residential rate is higher than Arkansas at 11.92 and Oklahoma at 11.63, but lower than Texas at 14.36 and Alabama at 14.69.

A dozen states have average residential rates lower than Louisiana’s.

When the residential rate is combined with commercial, industrial and transportation rates, the overall rate for all sectors in Louisiana is 9.32 cents per kilowatt hour through April, up from 8.90 at the same time in 2022.

Vance Ginn, economist at the Pelican Institute, noted that while there are “so many factors” at play in the energy market, there’s no doubt the more than 7% increase in residential rates is taking a toll on Louisiana customers.

“Louisiana is one of the lowest states … in the nation, which is good, but that doesn’t help Louisianans when their rates are going up,” he said. “Louisiana pay isn’t keeping up with inflation or electricity rates. It’s something Louisiana needs to focus
on and get under control.”

Keeping energy costs in check involves ensuring fair competition in the market, without unnecessary government regulations or influence, Ginn said.

“There should be more competition in the energy market and that will influence the electricity rates. Louisiana should make it so there’s more competition between the energy sources … where the government isn’t picking winners and losers,” he said.
A focus on “deregulating where possible” while increasing supply would help to keep rates lower, while tax incentives on the federal and state level for specific sectors, such as renewable energy, can produce the opposite effect and should be avoided, according to Ginn.

Blacks, Whites see population losses in La.

Thu, 06/29/2023 - 12:20pm

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

Louisiana’s White and Black populations are driving the state’s decreasing population trend, while other minority groups are increasing, according to new U.S. Census data.

Vintage 2022 Population Estimates released by the U.S. Census on Thursday show the state’s overall population declined by 36,857 between July 1, 2021 and July 1, 2022, slightly more than half the 61,423 residents who have left the state since July 1, 2020. The overall population estimate for 2022 was 4,590,241.

The new data breaks the figures by sex and race, showing Louisiana’s largest racial groups drive the decline.

White residents numbered an estimated 2,913,072 in 2020 and have since declined to 2,868,945 in 2022, losing 44,127. An estimated 24,362 have left since July 2021, suggesting the exodus is accelerating slightly, according to the data.

The Black resident population has followed a similar trend, with 1,527,231 in July 2020 declining by 22,481 to 1,504,750 in 2022. The Census Bureau estimates 15,156 left the state between July 2021 and July 2022.

Those declines have been countered somewhat by other minority groups including Hispanics, Asians, American Indians and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, all with increased populations in recent years.

The number of Hispanic Louisianans made the largest gain, increasing by 4,929 between July 2020 and July 2022, with 2,962 moving to the Pelican State between July 2021 and July 2022. The total Hispanic population was estimated at 140,591 in 2022.

American Indians are up 915 between July 2020 and July 2022, with 356 moving between July 2021 and July 2022, when the total stood at 38,096.

Asians have increased by 567, from 87,747 in 2020 to 88,314 in 2022, with all of the increase between July 2021 and July 2022.

Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders numbered 3,020 in July 2022, up 87 since July 2020, according to the data.

When examined by sex, significantly more men leave Louisiana than women, despite the latter outnumbering the former.

Louisiana men numbered an estimated 2,247,370 in July 2022, down 20,493 from the year prior and down 34,072 from 2020. Women, meanwhile, declined by 27,351 between 2020 and 2022 to 2,342,871. An estimated 16,364 left between July 2021 and July 2022.

As residents have left the state, the median age has slowly increased. In July 2020, the median age for both sexes was 37.6, with the median age for men was 36.5 and for women it was 38.7. Those numbers ticked up to an overall median of 37.9 in July 2021, with the median age for men at 36.7 and women at 39.

In July 2022, the overall median was 38.1, with men at a median age of 37 and women at 39.3, Census data shows.

New commanding officer for Coast Guard in Morgan City

Thu, 06/29/2023 - 11:45am

Cmdr. Mary A. Gilday, who served as the Coast Guard's assistant chief of inspections in Morgan City beginning in 2012, is back, this time as the commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Morgan City. At a Thursday ceremony at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium, she officially took over for Cmdr. Ben Russell, who is moving on to a staff position at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington after three eventful years that included the hurricanes of 2020 and 2021 and the COVID pandemic.

The Review/Bill Decker

UPDATE: After Silver Alert, Patterson man located and is safe

Thu, 06/29/2023 - 7:24am

UPDATE: At 8:19 a.m. Thursday, state police reported that Thomas Sothern has been located and is safe.

Louisiana State Police have issued a Silver Alert on behalf of the Patterson Police Department for 86-year-old Thomas Cooper Sothern of Patterson. He was discovered missing on Wednesday shortly after 8 p.m.

Sothern is believed to be traveling in a white 2011 Ford Transit van bearing Louisiana license plate 991FPM. He was last seen at his residence located at 1706 Guyther St., at approximately 8 p.m., wearing blue jeans, a maroon colored shirt, and possibly black shoes.

Sothern is a white male with gray hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. Caretakers confirm Sothern suffers from a medical condition that may impair his judgment.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Thomas Cooper Sothern should immediately contact Maj. Clyde Phillips with the Patterson Police Department at 985-395-6161 or by calling 911. All questions should be directed to the Patterson Police Department.

St. Mary deputies arrest three on burglary charges

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 10:25am

Staff Report

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

St. Mary deputies reported three arrests Tuesday on burglary charges.

Franklin police made four arrests on battery charges in a single afternoon.

St. Mary

Sheriff Blaise Smith reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 complaints and made these arrests:

--Mark Robin, 38, Franklin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday on charges of simple burglary, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and on a warrant alleging theft.

Bail has not been set at this time.

--Desiree Rebert, 38, Franklin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Gary Jones, 55, Franklin, was arrested at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple burglary. Bail has not been set at this time.

--Kayla Michelle Francise, 25, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:05 a.m. Tuesday on two warrants alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of alprazolam. Bail has not been set at this time.

Patterson

Chief Garrett Grogan reported this arrest:

--Amynie L. Johnson, 22, Live Oak Drive, Patterson, was arrested at 12:02 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of disturbing the peace (fighting). Johnson is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $459.

Franklin

Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 12 complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:

--Sasha Johnson, 27, Martin Luther King Drive, Baldwin, was arrested at 5:07 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. Johnson was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

--Jana Nathan, 22, Lacy Street, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:07 p.m. Tuesday on charge of simple battery. Nathan was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

--Skylar Butler, 23, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested, at 5:07 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. Butler was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

--Brandon Butler, 24, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 5:07 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of simple battery. Butler was booked, processed and released on a $2,500 bond.

--Ramond Depass, 21, John Street, Baldwin, was arrested at 12:08 a.m. Wednesday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding, driver must be licensed and vehicle license required. Depass was booked, processed and released on a $659 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for June 27-28

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 10:12am

Staff Report

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the Police Department at 985-380-4605.
Tuesday, June 27
6:05 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Remove subject.
6:08 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up call.
6:37 a.m. 2400 block of Apple Street; Medical.
7:12 a.m. 700 block of Fifth Street; Civil matter.
8:13 a.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Remove subject.
9:51 a.m. La. 70; Reckless driving.
10:12 a.m. 700 block of David Drive; Alarm.
10:32 a.m. 100 block of Brownell Street; Cruelty to juveniles.
10:36 a.m. 600 block of Arenz Street; Remove subject.
11:36 a.m. 600 block of General Patton Street; Telephone harassment.
12:43 p.m. Levee Road; Animal complaint.
2:03 p.m. First/Union streets; Complaint.
3:17 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up call.
3:28 p.m. 1100 block of Dora Street; Complaint.
4:14 p.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; 911 hang up call.
4:45 p.m. 700 block of Everett Street; Disturbance.
4:53 p.m. 1000 block of Brashear Avenue; Remove subject.
5:20 p.m. 8300 block of La. 182; Loud music.
5:25 p.m. 500 block of Marshall Street; Medical.
5:35 p.m. U.S. 90 Bridge Eastbound; Traffic incident.
6:50 p.m. 1800 block of Elk Street; Aggravated assault.
8:52 p.m. 800 block of Sacred Heart Drive; Assistance.
9:52 p.m. 600 block of Grove Street; Loud music.
10:03 p.m. 600 block of Fifth Street; Disturbance.
10:24 p.m. 800 block of Susan Drive; Missing juvenile.
10:48 p.m. 3100 block of Jennie Drive; Animal complaint.
11:17 p.m. 500 block of First Street; Building check.
Wednesday, June 28
12:06 a.m. 7400 block of La. 182; Theft.
12:23 a.m. 1100 block of Marguerite Street; Assistance.
1:10 a.m. 00 block of Chennault Street; Complaint.
2:13 a.m. 1000 block of Federal Avenue; Medical.

State fire marshal: Be mindful of fireworks laws and safety

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 9:59am

With fireworks tents and stands popping up across the state this week, the State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to encourage all Louisiana residents to not only be safe when using fireworks, but knowledgeable when buying them.

More than 300 retail fireworks permits have been issued for the 2023 Fourth of July season, as it is state law for wholesale and retail fireworks business operators to be appropriately licensed by the SFM, in the parishes and municipalities where they are legally allowed. The sales season extends through 11:59 p.m. July 5. The SFM encourages, first and foremost, that families choose to enjoy public fireworks displays over creating their own. However, if purchasing fireworks is your preference, we advise families to be mindful of whether the stand they are purchasing from has been permitted by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

You can request to see permitting information from any retail fireworks business you patron. The SFM encourages reporting any suspicious or illegal sales of fireworks to 1-800-256-5452 or by visiting lasfm.org.

In addition, the fire marshal encourages people to enjoy fireworks in the safest way possible. A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that more than 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday.

To avoid becoming part of this statistic, the SFM advises:

--Detonating devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles and rubbish

--Never allowing children to light fireworks; instead, provide glow sticks and trinkets as alternatives

--Never operating fireworks while impaired

--Lighting devices one at a time and monitoring embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby

--Discarding detonated items by wetting them down to prevent reignition and not disposing of them in a trash container immediately

In addition, be mindful of the weather conditions in your area when considering whether to pop your own fireworks. Make sure you are aware of any burn bans established and take into account the dryness of your surroundings when choosing a safe location for popping fireworks.

St. Mary AARP sets activities at June meeting

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 9:29am

St. Mary AARP Chapter 4435 held its monthly meeting and meal June 5 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, home of St. Mary AARP, in Morgan City.
Sponsoring the June meal was Twin City Funeral Home in Morgan City. Manager Amber Colbert told AARP members about pre-planning funerals and one-of-a-kind grief support offered on a personal level. Twin City also supplied members with pens, note pads and magnets.
A meal of red beans and rice, sausage link, cole slaw and a dessert was served. Following bingo, several donated items were awarded to various AARP members.
During the business portion of the meeting, AARP President Bryce Merrill announced several planned activities.
—June 29: AARP is sponsoring a trip to the Dinner Bell restaurant in McComb, Mississippi.
—Nov. 9-15: A trip to Branson, Missouri, is planned.
—Dec. 7: Christmas in the Oaks is scheduled.
Any information about the trips contact Kathy Roundtree, activity organizer, at 985-637-3893 or 985-446-9616.
—Microsoft Word training will be held July 8.
—A Microsoft beginners Excel class is set Aug. 12.
Classes will be held at 2 p.m. in the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center.
AARP’s next monthly meeting and meal will be July 11, due to the Fourth of July holiday.
The St. Mary AARP office is opened Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. For information about the organization or its activities, call 985-384-2277.

Man’s treatment of female relatives has crossed line

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 9:27am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: My daughter “Lia” and her husband, “Jerry,” visited his mother and stepdad, “Gil,” a few months ago.
Gil gave Lia an inappropriate hug, with his hand sliding to her buttocks. Lia said Gil had done this before and it made her uncomfortable. She told Jerry, and he began watching his stepdad closely when they visited.
Recently, my family and I visited Jerry’s parents. Gil gave me a hug around my back, and then slid his hand down my back and grabbed MY buttock with a quick squeeze! His wife was standing in front of us when he did it. I looked at her in shock. She looked down at the floor and then at me, expressionless. After I told my daughter what he had done, she told me he had done it to her as well.
My son-in-law wants to tell his mother he doesn’t feel comfortable leaving his young daughters at their house. I know Lia and I should have said something when it happened, but we were caught off guard and didn’t call him on it.
How do you think this should be handled?
CAUGHT OFF GUARD

DEAR CAUGHT OFF GUARD: Your daughter was right to tell her husband what his stepdad has been doing, and you should tell him, too, if you haven’t already done it. Gil’s behavior is extremely inappropriate. It’s interesting that he doesn’t discriminate — any buttock within reach appears to be fair game.
You, your daughter and Jerry need to explain that fact to Jerry’s mother and her husband. From now on, it makes sense that Jerry’s mother should visit her little granddaughters at Lia and Jerry’s without her spouse.

DEAR ABBY: I’m a high school senior who has dated a girl off and on. The first time, we didn’t have a ton in common, but we enjoyed each other’s company. She liked another guy, so after about three months, she broke up with me. I was OK with it.
This year, I started hanging out with her again. We started kissing right away. She found someone online that she somehow got attracted to within a matter of hours, and two days later I was dumped again. Her parents took her phone away the next day. She now says she regrets dumping me and I’m always on her mind at some point in the day.
She doesn’t have high self-esteem or self-confidence. I think she feels disconnected because of her many years of homeschooling. She’s also extremely depressed, I can tell that much. She has been talking to a therapist for a year, but it hasn’t helped, and she’s trying another one soon.
I don’t know how to help her or whether I should date her again. I love her, though, and I want to know her better, but we are both confused. I worry I’m not a good fit for her even if we are attracted. Please tell me how I can help her.
BOY IN LOVE IN GEORGIA

DEAR BOY IN LOVE: You are right that the girl you’re describing is “confused.” She’s not ready for a relationship with anyone at this point. Before you can help her, it is important that you help yourself by recognizing that her problems are more complicated than you can deal with.
This is not a reflection on you. Caring for her — loving her — is not enough. For your sake, take a step back. Be the friend she needs but do not count on her for anything more until she has dealt with the issues that challenge her.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

M C Bank will build new HQ in Morgan City

Wed, 06/28/2023 - 9:02am

M C Bank & Trust Company plans to build a new headquarter office in Morgan City.

The bank is purchasing the land on Greenwood Street between Ninth Street and Victor II Boulevard, one block away from its current headquarters. M C Bank’s current headquarter office is located at 1201 Brashear Ave., where they are tenants of the building.

The Bank is in the preliminary planning phases; however, it anticipates building a full-service banking center and drive-through along with commercial, support, and executive offices and conference rooms at the
new location.

“Building a new main office in the city that has helped make us who we are today is important and will allow us to continue to showcase our history,” said Christopher LeBato, president & CEO
of M C Bank.

“I’m excited to further our commitment to Morgan City, especially as we expand our reach to share the hometown spirit into new communities we serve across Louisiana.” said Eva Tregle, Board of Directors and Real Estate Committee member.

“This is a great opportunity to deepen our roots in the Morgan City community. A fresh new headquarter building for the bank is exactly what we need as we continue to build our brand. M C Bank has a rich and robust history coupled with an energized future that the Board is excited about.”

M C Bank recently opened its first banking center in Covington, which is part of a new Stirling Properties development on U.S. 190. Later this summer, the bank will relocate its Bayou Vista banking center to a larger building and open a new banking center in Metairie on the corner of Veterans and Causeway.

Additionally, the bank announced that they purchased property in Lafayette on Spring Farm Road to build a banking center and office space in the

M C Bank first opened its doors in 1955 in Morgan City. On April 1, 1991, MC Bancshares was formed as a one-bank holding company with its solely owned subsidiary being Morgan City Bank & Trust Co.

Simultaneous with the merger of the bank into the holding company, the bank's name changed to M C Bank & Trust Co.

The bank’s headquarters are in Morgan City, and they have nine banking centers and offices in Louisiana: Amelia, Bayou Vista, Covington, Houma, Lafayette, Metairie, Morgan City, New Orleans, and Youngsville. M C Bank is a locally and privately owned institution focused on strengthening the communities in Louisiana.